Saturday, January 2, 2016

Fairmont Card From Chase

Note: I am NOT compensated for this post.With Fairmont being absorbed by Accor Hotels, the Fairmont card from Chase is only viable for a short while longer, but I am tempted to get one. I have until Jan 31, 2016 to decide.Pros:

No annual fee in the first year, and presumably only year, of card membership.

Fairmont status boost to the middle level.

No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

Though not officially impossible, don't plan to enjoy a free night at The Plaza or The Savoy.

Chase's Fairmont points program is separate from Fairmont's President Club program. The Chase points must be redeemed through Chase. The award chart is miserable too. Expect a $25 gift card. Free nights start at $25,000 in spending.

Twists:

If your +1 gets the card too, then you have 4 nights and that could make for a nice long weekend in Barbados, Europe, or Canada.

The merger hasn't been approved by regulators, but this is much less risky than the SPG-Marriott union.